Music Ministry:
SHARING TALENTS IN PRAYER AND SONG FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
“T
o sing is to pray twice,” is a.m. Spanish Mass. They practice a saying often attributed before Mass each week beginning to St. Augustine. Laura Litwiler at 10:45 a.m. Laura’s brother, Roy, believes this to be true. She loves directs the Hispanic Choir. working alongside many talented The Youth Choir and Band musicians in her part-time role as takes care of the Mass on the third Music Minister here at Our Lady Sunday of the month. The choir is of Hope. Laura has been in this open for youth from third grade to role at our parish for about two college age. They practice Sunday years — she is also a math teacher evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Inat Washington Catholic Middle/ strumentalists are also invited to get High School. Laura directs the involved. The group recently sang at The Youth Choir gathers before a 2021 Mass. Youth Choir and helps coordinate the beautiful Christmas Eve Mass. the other choirs with Sharon Carie, Adult Choir DirecLaura invites anyone with any level of musical taltor, and Roy Litwiler, the Hispanic Choir Director. ent to get involved in a choir or as a cantor. More can“The Lord gave us the talents and gifts that we tors or small groups are always needed and welcomed to have, and it is a wonderful gift to give that talent back get involved. to Him to lead others in worship,” Laura says. “You just need to have a willingness to practice,” Music has been part of Laura’s life since she was Laura says. “If you love to sing but don’t know how to a child. She’s been a member of Our Lady of Hope read music, you are still welcome!” her whole life and started singing in the choir in fifth As we start to think about Lent, and, eventually, grade. She began playing piano and organ after receivHoly Week and Easter, consider using your musical ing the Sacrament of Confirmation. talents to glorify the Lord. “I was taught from an early age that music can be a “The Holy Week liturgies are so important,” Laura way to serve at church,” Laura says. “My parents insays. “We’d love to have more singers in all the choirs.” stilled in me a love for music. We were taught to share Laura’s favorite Easter song is “Alleluia! Alleluour gifts however we can.” ia! Let the Holy Anthem Rise!” She looks forward to The Adult Choir, under the direction of Sharon working on Lenten music with the Youth Choir. Carie, sings at Mass on the first Sunday of each month. “I love that we can teach them young that we don’t They also sing the fifth Sunday when there is one. The have to be afraid to use the talents that God has given group practices on Wednesday evenings. you,’’ Laura says. “The Lord gave us this gift for a reaThe Hispanic Choir sings each Sunday at the 11:15 son, and we should share it.”
If you would like more information on the Music Ministry and Youth Choir, please contact Laura Litwiler at llitwiler@evdio.org or 812-259-5885. For more information on the Hispanic Choir, please contact Roy Litwiler at 812-259-9690. For more information on the Adult Choir, please contact Sharon Carie at 812-698-0431. 7
